Paddle them in a canoe, stare at them from a dock, or—if you dare—jump into them for a swim. We asked you, our Facebook fans, to share your favourite glacial-fed lakes in BC. Slip into the dreamy waters of these turquoise wonders.

1. Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is regarded as a sight to see, and rightfully so. The otherworldly, calm green waters of this lake lap against a shoreline of thick forest and a backdrop of massive glaciers and the impressive Canadian Rockies. Jump in a canoe for a peaceful glide, treat yourself to lunch on the patio at Cilantro on the Lake, or take the hiking trail that circumnavigates the entire lake.

2. Berg Lake

The 23-kilometre (14-mile) backcountry trek to view Mount Robson towering over Berg Lake is a bucket-list hike for trekking enthusiasts from all over the world. Before reaching the lake, the trail passes through three bio-climatic zones, traces around the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and peaks at the Berg Lake campground. Here you can view icebergs that have broken off the Berg Glacier to float around in the turquoise water. This is a popular trail, so don’t forget to reserve your spot well in advance.

Don’t miss: a night at Emperor Falls campsite, close to the highest waterfall in the Valley of a Thousand Falls, on your way to Berg Lake.

3. Garibaldi Lake

This iconic BC lake is a popular stop for day hikers and overnight campers along the Sea-to-Sky Highway en route to Whistler. From the trailhead, this 9-kilometre (5.6-mile) trail gains 900 metres (2,952 feet) of elevation before reaching Garibaldi Lake. Once you arrive, pitch your tent, have a picnic on Battleship Islands or tackle some of the surrounding trails. During peak season (June 29 – September 30) reservations are required at Taylor Meadows and Garibaldi Lake campsites. Be sure to make one. You don’t want to get turned around by a friendly BC Park Ranger after setting your sights on this lake.

4. Harrison Lake

This 60-km (37-mi) lake stretches from the village of Harrison Hot Springs north towards a backdrop of snow-capped coastal mountains. In the summer months, the spring run-off from Mount Breckenridge turns the water its azure colour. Circumnavigate Eco Island by boat or head for Long Island to hide away in protected bays. Green Point, on the east side of Harrison Lake, is a great day use area in Sasquatch Provincial Park.

Don’t miss: a boat tour of the lake and river to view pictographs (ancient First Nations rock paintings) with Harrison Eco Tours.

5. Frozen Lake

In far southeastern BC sits the lesser-known Elk Lakes Provincial Park. This provincial park is a hidden wonder 2.5 hours north of Fernie, down a series of dirt roads and past the tiny towns of Sparwood and Elkford. To reach Frozen Lake, start at the Elk Lakes trailhead and make your way toward Lower Elk Lake. Follow the trail to West Elk Pass and then head west toward Fox Lake before meeting the chilling waters of Frozen Lake.

Don’t miss: bringing all your own supplies and being emergency prepared. This is a remote area, with no cell reception, and walk-in/wilderness camping only.

6. Chilko Lake

Chilko Lake is found in Ts’il?os Provincial Park, in a remote area of BC’s Chilcotin region. The lake is bordered by the rugged Coast Mountains to the west and the dry, Interior Plateau to the east. A contrast of frozen peaks and massive glaciers to alpine meadows and arid landscapes.

7. Atlin Lake

The town of Atlin sits in an isolated corner of northwestern BC, on the east side of Atlin Lake. This 6.5-km (4-mi) wide and 136-km (85-mi) long lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains for a truly spectacular setting. Only 400 full-time residents live in this town, so you’ll likely be one of only a few people out exploring this lake. Your Instagram pictures of this incredible place will have to wait—there is no cell phone service here—but you’ll be happy there isn’t. A place like this deserves all your attention.

Don’t miss: the bus to take you there! Hiking the 11-km (6.8-mi) access road is permitted but please note that buses will not stop for walkers and a ride out is not guaranteed. You must be prepared to walk the entire way.

Don’t miss: grab a paddleboard and take to the water for a soulful glide along the lake.

Explore Nearby:

Leah Adams-Chute
Leah Adams-Chute likes to pedal bikes, wander trails, and chase snow. She spends her weekends exploring BC and all her other free time searching for cheap flights to places she's never been to.

How about Jones Lake in Hope BC, 15min drive from Chilliwak BC. 9km high 30 min drive up the
Beautiful sceneries, the glaciers & at night you can watch the falling stars, this place was heaven.
You can check our facebook account for pictures, this was taken just last weekend, we camp over
night with my kids & they love it. The people are very friendly, We will deffinitely go back here every summer.

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